Student Profile – Aburva Govindarajan
Aburva Govindarajan Sangeetha, a graduating senior majoring in Engineering Technology with a minor in Business Administration at San Jose State University (SJSU), embodies the spirit of perseverance and adaptability. She is originally from Suhar (would suggest getting more info about this region. I don’t know where it is), a beautiful coastal city located in the Sultanate of Oman.
During her high school years, mathematics proved to be a challenging subject for her, leading her to major in Business. However, after her first year, she soon realized her technical inclination and transitioned to Engineering Technology with a concentration in Computer Network Systems Management, a decision that proved to be both challenging and rewarding.
When starting to take core engineering courses, she felt like an imposter due to her mathematics struggles, and being the only woman in most of her technical classes added to this feeling even more. Regardless, with the help of her friends, family, and professors she quickly overcame her struggles and improved her class performance.
Throughout her college career, she learned to embrace opportunities for growth and involvement within her school and community. As a Resident Advisor, she fosters a positive and inclusive living environment for her peers, while also serving as a Peer Academic Success Coach to support fellow students in their academic endeavors. These roles reflect her values from her upbringing, commitment to giving back, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those around her.
Being one of the recipients of the SJSU Alumni Association Scholarship, funded by our very own alumni, has alleviated her financial stress. She’s gratefully acknowledged the opportunity and the contributions from past generations, which have inspired her to work harder and one day make a donation herself to the scholarship.
Her dream job is to become a Technical Product Manager at a top tech company, contributing her knowledge to bridge the gap between technology and users’ needs, ultimately aiming to improve people’s life quality and productivity using technologies in a fun and creative way.
Reflecting on her college experience, Aburva shares the advice she would give her freshman self: to explore widely, prioritize self-care, and seek help when needed. As higher academic knowledge is learned in college, we should also learn how to take care of ourselves to avoid burnout. Don’t be afraid to try new things and fail because college is a time to explore and learn, so don’t limit yourself just because it is called “Engineering School”.
Club Video Contest Announcement
Congratulations to our e-week contest winners:
- 1st place: What Makes TT Special to You?
- 2nd place: Formula SAE
- 3rd place: Project Albatross
- Runner up #1: NETs – About Us!!
- Runner up #2: We are SJSU’s ASME
Thank you, everyone, for participating in our contest. We hope to see all again and more submissions in the future.
Women’s History Month
Image courtesy of National Inventor Hall of Fame
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s only fitting that we take a moment to recognize the remarkable contributions of Edith Clarke, who is considered to be the first female electrical engineer in America. Born in Maryland in 1883, Edith overcame numerous obstacles to forge a path that not only broke barriers but also laid the foundation for future generations of women in STEM.
From a young age, Edith expressed interest in mathematics and astronomy, ultimately pursuing her passion at Vassar College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Following her graduation in 1908, she entered the male-dominated world of engineering.
Despite facing adversity and discrimination, Edith persevered, teaching mathematics and physics before delving into civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her journey led her to AT&T, where she played a pivotal role as a “computer,” supporting engineers in the construction of the first transcontinental phone line.
However, it was during her time at General Electric (GE) that Edith truly made her mark on the industry. As a supervisor of computers in GE’s Turbine Engineering Department, she revolutionized the field with her invention of the Edith Calculator – a graphical tool that simplified complex calculations for electrical engineers working on transmission lines. Her groundbreaking work not only streamlined processes but also laid the groundwork for advancements in power grid technology, including the development of “smart grid” systems.
Shattering multiple norms, she became the first woman in the United States to be employed as an electrical engineer, the first woman to present a paper at the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE), and the first woman to be appointed as a full-time professor of electrical engineering.
As we reflect on Edith’s contribution this Women’s History Month, let us remember to foster an inclusive space for all aspiring engineers to feel valued, supported, and empowered to pursue their passions.
Approving Robotaxis – Prof Ahmed Banafa
Learn more about Professor Banafa’s stand on the California Public Utilities Commission approving Waymo’s expansion, despite initial concerns, allowing the company’s self-driving cars to operate in more cities in the Bay Area and parts of Los Angeles.